Meredith Miller - The Week of May 22nd, 2005
Poker Chip Girl

Meredith Miller — jewelry designer and retailer, has a fondness for the past and the skill to recreate it. Entering her Fair Oaks Pharmacy & Soda Fountain in historical Pasadena is like stepping back in time, the turn of the twentieth century, to be precise. And earlier this year, she launched Pokerchip Girl™, a line of accessories handmade from rare, vintage poker chips of that same period.

1. What's in your wallet right now?

Don't make me look! Ok, my driver's license, assorted department store credit cards, Visa, Amex, 76 Gas card, a Gap gift card for who knows what, $50 in cash, several crushed receipts, health insurance card and two photos of my daughter. Actually something else is in there, but it is permanently stuck to the inside of the divider so I can't see it.

2. What do you wish your parents taught you about money?

That spending it on other people won't make you popular!

3. What is your worst habit around finances?

Procrastination! I keep putting it all off - balancing the checkbook, reviewing the bills, planning for the future - it's a form of denial.

4. What makes you happy?

Hanging out with my small farm of pets - my 4 dogs and 2 cats. They bring me joy and serenity.

5. Personal philosophy around money?

Be OK with a lot of it, or a little of it. I don't know what the future holds, so I try to learn how to live with a little less. Downsize and discard are my new buzzwords.

6. Where does money come from?

OK, it's not trees, right? It's also no longer my father's wallet. I think it comes from a combination of perseverance in following one's goals, and lots of good timing. Not necessarily in that order.

7. What would you do with a million dollars?

Boring, but I'd pay off some debt. I'd also support a favorite charity. OK, I'd put a little away for retirement too.

8. What is your most prized possession?

Good, clean living. No secrets in my closet.

9. Who is your role model?

All of the women of the feminist movement who opened the heavy doors of equality. I often sit back and marvel at the fact that today's young women have so many opportunities in so many fields and don't even realize it! They take it for granted, and that is a good thing.

10. What is your greatest achievement?

Surviving a tough childhood and coming out with forgiveness and understanding.

11. How did you get started with PokerChip Girl™?

PokerChip Girl™ began last fall when I began to sell poker-related items at the Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain. Everything exploded in that area and I realized that this was no mere fad. I was selling a large amount of poker chips and poker sets. Men, women, teens, everybody was hooked on playing poker.

I thought that there was an opportunity to merge fun and fashion - incorporating the unexpected twist. This is one of my favorite directions in design. I like to create the "aha" in my work. My retail merchandising is always unexpected and fresh, and PokerChip Girl™ allowed me to follow the same direction. A line of Swarovski crystal-embellished poker chips just seemed a natural.

I researched poker chips, found the vintage beauties and just let my imagination do the rest. It has been incredible: fun, whimsical, arty and well-received by all. I hope to move on and develop a licensed venture of PokerChip Girl™ products during 2005-6.

12. What contributions to society do you want to make?

Funny enough, owning a turn-of-the-century corner drugstore and soda fountain has made a very positive contribution in my local community. I think I contribute on a daily basis to making folks happy! To the greater society, I hope that I raise my daughter to be an independent and self-confident woman who will someday make her own positive contribution to society.

13. If you could buy one thing right now what would it be?

An island in Greece.

14. Favorite activity that doesn't cost a dime?

Brushing my dogs, feeling the warm sun on my face, lookie-loo house-hunting (come on, you know you do it too!)

15. How do you indulge yourself?

Chocolate, shopping, singing along with my iPod, reading the newspaper in bed with my husband on Sunday mornings.

Meredith Miller is widely recognized for her exceptional creative design skills and as a successful retailer for the past 16 years. As co-owner of Fair Oaks Pharmacy & Soda Fountain in historic South Pasadena, she has won coveted merchandising awards and numerous other accolades throughout the years.

In January 2005, Meredith launched Pokerchip Girl™, a unique line of pendants, pins, money clips and other accessories handmade from rare, vintage poker chips dating back to the turn of the twentieth century and embellished with the finest Swarovski crystals and sterling silver charms.

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